The U.S. National Restaurant Association (NRA)’s “What’s Hot in 2012” survey of nearly 1,800 professional chefs has predicted that children’s nutrition and local sourcing will be the biggest trends on restaurant menus in 2012. The chefs also identified smartphone apps and tablet computers as the top technology trends. In addition, 6 out of 10 chefs said they would consider a food truck as an entrepreneurial business venture. According to the NRA’s survey, the top 20 menu trends for next... ...Read more »

Australian supermarket chain, Woolworths, has been forced to pull back a major summer advertising campaign after being threatened with court action by rival supermarket chain Coles. At the centre of Woolworths campaign was an image of a pair of scissors cutting through a dollar symbol. Coles saw the symbol to be too similar to an image it has been using in its own summer advertising campaign. A spokesperson for Woolworths told Australian Food News today, “We confirm that Coles’ lawyers have alerted... ...Read more »

Australian governments have been investigating the concept of a Container Deposit Scheme that will encompass the whole country. Currently, the Northern Territory is due to implement its own CDS system on 3 January 2012. In South Australia, Australia’s first Container Deposit Scheme began operating operating in the State of 1977. An investigation by Australia’s Environment Ministers has now found that the cost of a national Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) would be between A$1.4 billion and A$1.8... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) today launched a campaign urging Australian consumers to buy Australian-made products to support the food industry during the holiday season. According to the AFGC, the cost of manufacturing food is, on average, 25 per cent higher in Australia than in regional competitor nations. The AFGC says this is seriously affecting the Australian industry’s competitiveness and profitability. The high Australian dollar is also to blame, making imports cheaper... ...Read more »

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has used an address to members of the National Diet of Japan to support further agricultural trade liberalisation and to emphasise the importance of addressing agricultural protectionist reforms in Japan, by negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Japan is Australia’s largest export market for beef and dairy products and is also a key market for Australian wine. Japan is also an important trading partner for a range of Australian... ...Read more »

A diet high in polyphenols could help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and associated health risks, according to a new study by the University of Glasgow. Researchers from the university’s Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences (ICAMS) say their findings suggest that as far as polyphenol-containing fruit drinks go, there are possible benefits for cardiovascular health. Their research, published today in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, was funded by The Coca-Cola... ...Read more »

Coles Supermarket Group has issued guidelines to the buyers that it employs on ways to avoid engaging in conduct that might be considered ‘unconscionable’ in dealings when negotiating prices with suppliers to Coles. The supermarket chain has sent a document to all of its buyers offering examples of unconscionable behavior and negotiating practices that might be said to infringe the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010. This legislation is enforceable by the Australian Competition... ...Read more »

A leading Australian dietitian believes the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)’s new Australian Dietary Guidelines is a “missed opportunity to promote healthy eating habits” in Australia. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) released the revised guidelines yesterday. Criticism of Approach Australian Dietitian and Nutritionist, Nicole Senior, who has previously been a consultant nutritionist to Unilever Australia, said the guidelines need to be revised so... ...Read more »

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is proposing to allow members of Australian Processing Tomato Growers, a branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation, to bargain collectively on the terms and conditions of their contracts with their processors under a draft determination issued today. The proposed five year authorisation would provide the members of Australian Processing Tomato Growers, typically located in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales, with statutory protection... ...Read more »

Kiss Kiss Food Products Pty Ltd has recalled all varieties of Kiss Kiss Pastizzi baked goods from independent supermarkets in Western Australia due to undeclared soy. According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the recalled products contain undeclared soy (an allergen) due to the manufacturer changing the product specifications. The Kiss Kiss Pastizzi products with the following flavours have been recalled: Bonza Bacon and Ricotta, Cheeky Curry Chicken, Funky Fetta, Perfect Pizza,... ...Read more »